Pilot Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan. Consultation Analysis and Modifications Report.
The Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Marine Spatial Plan is a pilot process undertaken by a working group consisting of Marine Scotland, Orkney Islands Council and Highland Council in advance of statutory regional marine planning. This report presents an
23. General Policy 8B: Waste and marine litter
23.1 Summary of responses received
| Stakeholder | Count |
|---|---|
| Commercial | 3 |
| and aquaculture | 1 |
| Individual | 1 |
| Non-governmental organisation | 0 |
| Public sector | 5 |
| Recreation | 1 |
| TOTAL | 11 |
23.2 Main themes
23.2.1 This policy was generally welcomed and respondents provided information on activities they are involved in aimed at reducing the amount of marine litter.
23.2.2 One public sector respondent noted that there is increasing evidence that micro-plastics could have a negative impact on the functioning of certain marine ecosystems and this issue should be included in this section.
23.2.3 Two aquaculture sector respondents made the same comment in relation to disagreeing with the Plan stating that 'aquaculture, and by implication fish farming, is a major source of marine litter'. Both wanted the text amended accordingly.
23.2.4 One respondent felt the first sentence of paragraph 301 should be re-drafted as it appears to directly link the amount of tourist litter to population size. This respondent noted that areas with small populations may receive larger numbers of tourists than other areas with larger populations.
23.2.5 Scottish Water noted they provide screening for many of their discharges and will be providing a sewerage system in Stromness that will provide screening for storm discharges. They also noted that their waste activities are carried out under Waste Management legislation and that they have a role in developing and implementing the Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland.
23.2.6 One renewable energy developer suggested the policy would benefit from stronger wording to clearly state what is required from development proposals. Another public sector stakeholder noted that an increase in activity in the PFOW would increase the risk of waste and marine litter and noted the policy needs to be highlighted to developers.
23.2.7 Another response suggested adopting and adapting the Green Blue Project for general use.
Table 23.1 General Policy 8B Waste and marine litter - Table of suggested modifications
| No. | Suggested modification | Action taken | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | Information Box 18. Typo. "targeting at a 60 hectare". Replace 'targeting' with 'targeted'. | INFORMATION BOX 18 (now 17): Word 'at' removed from first sentence of second paragraph. | To correct typing mistake. |
| 221 | Include text in relation to the negative impact of micro-plastics on the functioning of certain marine ecosystems. | PARAGRAPH 305 (now 304): Added new second sentence: 'In addition, microplastic is a relatively new concern: these are tiny plastic granules used as scrubbers in cosmetics and small plastic fragments derived from the breakdown of macroplastics 1.* These toxic particles can bioaccumulate in marine organisms, causing harm'. Reference added to 'Further information' section: 1Cole, M., Lindequie, P., Hisband, C. and Galloway, T. (2011) Microspastics as contaminants in the marine environment: A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 62, 2588-2597. |
To specifically identify microplastic as a key marine litter issue. |
| 222 | Para. 301 - Typo - The first sentence is missing some commas. | PARAGRAPH 301 (now 300): First sentence of text amended for clarity: '…that the amount of litter dumped by tourists is relatively lower than on more often-visited popular, densely-populated mainland areas'. | To accommodate request. |
| 223 | Para. 305 - The second sentence doesn't make sense and should be reworded. | PARAGRAPH 305 (now 304): Text amended after first sentence for clarity: 'The changing climate may lead to more extreme weather events. This in turn could lead to greater chances of marine litter being created through, for example, land-based litter blowing out to sea. This can impact on wildlife, public health and amenity, as well as having a range of economic impacts'. THIRD SENTENCE changed to 'These toxic particles can bioaccumulate in marine organisms, causing harm through toxicity or by being mistaken for food particles. |
To accommodate request and correct typographical errors. |
| 224 | The text in relation to aquaculture being a major source of marine litter should be amended. | None. | The text provides examples of sources of marine litter; it does not state any one source is a major contributor. See reference to Cole et al (2011). |
| 225 | Reword paragraph 301 to take into account areas with small populations may receive larger numbers of tourists than other areas with larger populations. | Noted. | Relatively speaking, the information is correct. |
| 226 | Clarify what is required by this policy from development proposals. | Noted. | Specific details would need to be considered on a case by case basis therefore exact detail on what would be required would be considered at that stage. |
| 227 | Ensure the title of the policy in the heading matches that in the policy box. It is currently 'Waste and marine litter' in the title but is 'Waste management and marine litter' in the policy box. | POLICY TEXT: Changed heading to 'Waste and marine litter'. | To match with policy section heading and rectify typing mistake. |
| 228 | New information provided on the Pick Up Three Pieces campaign in Orkney. | New INFORMATION BOX added (number 18) with the following text 'Pick Up Three Pieces is an initiative which aims to encourage the public to pick up and dispose of marine litter when visiting Orkney's shores. Designated bins for disposal of marine litter have been established at a few key coastal locations. Pick Up Three Pieces aims to raise awareness of how individual actions can make a positive impact on the local and global environmental problem of marine litter. | New information provided. |
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